Travelers argue with protesters as they try to go through the departure gates of the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong.
AP Photo/Vincent Thian

More than 100 flights from Hong Kong International Airport were cancelled on Tuesday as protesters continued to occupy the airport for a fifth day.

Travelers were unable to get through the crowds to pass through security checkpoints, and videos showed police and protesters fighting. Protesters apologized to stranded travelers, saying they were "fighting for our freedom."

Several airlines issued travel waivers, while others warned that future flight cancellations were possible. Here's what you need to know if you're scheduled to travel to Hong Kong.

As protests against the mainland Chinese government continue to rock Hong Kong, the city was forced to cancel hundreds of flights for a second day.

It was the fifth consecutive day of the protesters' occupation of the arrival and departure halls at the airport. About 142 flights were cancelled, according to FlightAware, following more than 200 cancellations on Monday.

Photos and video posted online showed skirmishes between riot police and protesters as authorities tried to clear the airport to get flights operating again.

"We're supposed to be home right now," Sehem, a 23-year-old medical student trying to return to Europe, said to Time. "We've been in the airport for more than 24 hours, we're super tired, we just want to go see our families—and we have exams in 10 days. We need to get home and study."

Travelers scheduled to head to Hong Kong who are affected by the airport closures or are second-guessing trips to the city may have options from their airlines, but could also be left out of luck.

"If travelers had their flights canceled, they are unfortunately not entitled to other compensation," Johnny Quach, the chief product officer at AirHelp, said in an email to Business Insider, "as this is an extraordinary circumstance beyond an airline's control."

For travelers who decide to proceed with their flights, Quach suggests leaving plenty of extra time, and not being surprised if there are disruptions.

"Travelers with planned flights out of Hong Kong International Airport may experience additional delays, increased lines at security, or overbooked flights once the airport is reopened as travelers try to adjust their plans accordingly," he said.

Some travel insurance policies may allow passengers to cancel trips based on civil unrest — passengers should call their benefits provider to learn more. Similarly, travelers who bought their tickets with certain credit cards may be covered.

Additionally, airlines with service to Hong Kong International Airport are offering some limited measures to help passengers. Read on for details about each airline.

Cathay Pacific

A man checks his smartphone while Cathay Pacific Airways planes park at the Hong Kong International Airport on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. The chief executive of Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways said Monday there will be "disciplinary consequences" for employees involved in "illegal protests," as the airline joins a slate of businesses that have appeased and apologized to China in recent days over political flaps. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Associated Press

The airline encourages customers to postpone nonessential travel through at least Wednesday.

Passengers with bookings arriving or departing Hong Kong between August 12-14 can change their flights without charges, as long as they book before August 18. Passengers can also cancel their travel for a full refund. Visit Cathay's site for more details.

American Airlines

AP

American Airlines cancelled a flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, but planned to operate the rest of its flights. It offered a travel waiver to allow passengers booked to travel August 12-15 to rebook for anytime before August 25.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic cancelled Tuesday's flights departing Hong Kong, but still planned to operate flights to the city from London Heathrow. It advised travelers to check its travel advisories page for more information.

Qantas

Qantas

Australian airline Qantas cancelled several flights to Hong Kong on Tuesday. The airline has not issued a travel waiver for passengers booked on other flights this week, but suggests that travelers closely monitor flight status.

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